Lagos judiciary begins 2017/18 legal year

The Lagos State Judiciary is scheduled to officially commence the 2017/2018 Golden Jubilee New Legal Year with religious services on Monday.

The event was earlier scheduled for September 25 with various activities, but was shifted, owing to the need to swear-in a successor to Chief Judge of the State, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade, who retired on September 24, having attained the statutory retirement age.

The State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, had subsequently swore-in Justice Opeyemi Oke, as the Chief Judge in acting capacity, pending recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC).

Justice Oke, until her new position, was the most senior judge in the State Judiciary.

A statement from the Office of the Chief Registrar of the High Court of Lagos State, Mrs. A.O. Soladoye, said the New Legal Year Services would hold simultaneously at Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina and the Central Mosque, Nnamdi Azikiwe Street, Lagos on Monday, October 9 2017 at 10.00am prompt.

It stated that there will be a Bar-Bench forum themed: “Promoting a Pace-setting and Productive Judiciary in Lagos State” on Tuesday, October 10, with the Guest Speaker being Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) at the High Court Foyer, Igbosere, Lagos by 10.00am prompt.

According to the release, other activities lined up for the programme include a Novelty Match between Judges and Magistrates at the Ajele Stadium, Lagos; free medical health screening and treatment for State Judiciary staff members at both the Lagos and Ikeja divisions of the High Courts of Lagos State, as well as a stage drama, titled “Yes, My Lord” at the City Hall, Lagos by 4pm on Thursday, October 12, 2017.

The Golden Jubilee activities will be rounded off with a dinner at the City Hall, Lagos on Friday, October 13, 2017 by 6pm.